Phillies' utilityman Galvis diagnosed with MRSA

Clearwater, FL (SportsNetwork.com) - The Philadelphia Phillies will place utility infielder Freddy Galvis on the disabled list after he was diagnosed with a MRSA infection, confirmed Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr.

Galvis had an abscess removed from his left knee on Wednesday, and tests confirmed the infection on Friday. He is expected to miss 2-to-3 weeks, meaning he will not be with the club when it starts the season in Texas a week from Monday.

"We've just got to take care of it," said Amaro. "It's unfortunate. He got a cut or an abrasion, and it ended up becoming an infection. That's the dangers of having a lot of people in the clubhouse at the same time."

Philadelphia plans to disinfect the entire clubhouse following Friday's game against Boston as a precaution.

Galvis, who has spent time at shortstop, second base, third base and left field in two seasons with the Phils, has a career .230 batting average with 43 RBI and 27 runs scored.

Philadelphia will also place outfielder/first baseman Darin Ruf on the DL after an MRI confirmed a strained left oblique which he suffered while taking batting practice on Thursday.

Ruf, a candidate to make the opening day roster, has been a mid-season call up each of the past two years. He owns a .257 career batting average with 17 home runs in 85 games.

The young duo will join Phillies star pitcher Cole Hamels on the disabled list with opening day just 10 days away.